For centuries, the anticipation of discovering a baby’s gender has been one of the most exciting aspects of pregnancy. Long before the advent of modern medical technology, which allows parents to know their baby’s gender with near certainty, expectant mothers around the world relied on a myriad of wives’ tales, folklore, and traditional beliefs to make their best guess.
These age-old methods, passed down through generations, often intertwine cultural, historical, and even superstitious elements, reflecting the rich tapestry of societies and their unique approaches to the mysteries of childbirth.
In many cultures, the shape and size of a pregnant woman’s belly were believed to indicate the gender of her baby. A round, high belly was often thought to signify a girl, while a low, protruding belly indicated a boy. Similarly, cravings for sweets were linked to having a girl, whereas a preference for salty or sour foods was associated with expecting a boy.
- Carrying high or low. High = Girl and Low = Boy
- Craving sweet or savory? If you’re craving sweets, it’s a girl.
- If the baby’s father puts on weight during pregnancy – it’s a boy.
- The Pendant. Swing a pure gold pendant over the pregnant belly. If it swings back and forth, it’s a girl. If it swings around, it’s a boy.
- The Ring Test. Suspend a pure gold ring over the pregnant belly. If it swings left to right, it’s a boy. If it rotates, it’s a girl.
- The Mothers Face. If it’s round, full and rosy, it’s a girl.
- Acne. If you have more acne, it’s a girl.
- Interpreting dreams of the pregnant woman. Cigars, trucks, snakes, telescopes = Boys. Tupperware®, keyholes, any fish, almonds, Prada®, Vogue magazine = Girls.
- The Key Test. If the pregnant woman picks up a key from the thin end, then it’s a girl.
- The Drano Test. This is not safe or recommended for pregnant women. There are various methods used and the gender is predicted by color or amount of bubbles.
- Ancient Chinese Gender Calendar. If you’re interested in Asian legends, see the Chinese Gender Calendar. Using your lunar age and date of conception, the gender can be “guessed” with 50% accuracy!
More treasured legends that indicate boy or girl! Have fun but remember, IntelliGender is your trusted source for pink or blue!
it’s a boy if:
- You didn’t experience morning sickness in early pregnancy
- Your baby’s heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute
- You are carrying the extra weight out front
- Your belly looks like a basketball
- Your areolas have darkened considerably
- You are carrying low
- You are craving salty or sour foods
- You are craving protein — meats and cheese
- Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy
- The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
- Your hands are very dry
- Your pillow faces north when you sleep
- Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you
- Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
- Your urine is bright yellow in color
- Your nose is spreading
- You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it swings left to right
- You are having headaches
- You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number
it’s a girl if:
- You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
- Your baby’s heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute
- You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear
- Your left breast is larger than your right breast
- Your hair develops red highlights
- You are carrying high
- Your belly looks like a watermelon
- You are craving sweets
- You are craving fruit
- You crave orange juice
- You don’t look quite as good as normal during pregnancy
- You are moodier than usual during pregnancy
- Your face breaks out more than usual
- You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread
- Your breasts have really blossomed!
- Your pillow faces south when you sleep
- Your urine is a dull yellow color
- You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in a circle
- You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number
Can My Baby’s Heart Rate Tell Me the Gender?
Is there a way you can tell the gender of your unborn baby before it’s born? So many myths surround gender prediction that it’s often difficult to discern the real from the surreal.
Of all the pregnancy myths, gender prediction myths are probably the most encountered. The most common of these rely on fetal heart rate to predict whether the baby will be a boy or a girl.
In our clinic we hear expectant mothers declare that a heart rate of 140 beats per minute indicates a girl; others swear that the cut-off is the 150 mark.
The truth of the matter is that a normal fetal heart rate fluctuates between 120 to 160 beats per minutes. In fact, if measure the fetal heart rate at ten minute intervals during an hour, you might just get six different heart rates, some below 140 beats and others below 140.
This variation has more to do with the developing fetal brain than the genitalia (although some would argue that the male brain and genitalia are one in the same.) The fetus’ brain is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system (the flight or fight response) and the parasympathetic system (relaxation.) As the fetus develops, these two systems engage in a power struggle.
The heart rate speeds up when stimulated by the sympathetic system, and slows down when controlled by the parasympathetic response. We usually listen to the fetal heart for about ten to thirty seconds at a time in the office. If the baby is moving, the rate may be higher than if it were sleeping.
This variation also applies to men and women, boys and girls, none of whom have different heart rates based on gender. If someone stood behind a curtain, for instance, and I told you that person’s heart rate, you would not be able to determine if that person were male or female.
The same holds true for an unborn baby. Thus, science again rears its materialistic head and claims this myth is simply not true. The wonderful thing to remember is that your baby does not easily fit into some descriptive box, and he or she is as individual as you are.
Final Words
In conclusion, the world of gender prediction myths and old wives’ tales has intrigued and entertained expectant mothers for centuries. However, it’s essential to approach these beliefs with a light-hearted and fun perspective, understanding that they lack scientific evidence.
The true joy of pregnancy lies in the journey of creating new life, regardless of whether it’s a boy or a girl. Embracing the uniqueness and individuality of each pregnancy enriches the experience for both parents and the growing baby.